Internally displaced persons clash with security forces as they attempt to return to their birthplaces

Hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) staying in relief camps here clashed with security forces in Pukhao and near Dolaithabi Dam in Imphal East district on Monday (Nov 24, 2025) as they tried to return to their native homes, officials said.

Displaced people from the towns of Ekou, Dolaithabi and Yengkhuman, who had been staying in relief camps, tried to march to their homes but were stopped by security forces.

Security forces fired tear gas canisters to disperse protesters, they said.

The displaced persons claimed that with the annual Sangai festival being held, normalcy has been established in the state and they should be allowed to return to their homes.

A protester, S. Kumarjit Meitei, told reporters, “We are mainly farmers. Our livelihood has been completely cut off after we were forced to flee our homes. Now that the government has said that normalcy has returned. Our demand is that displaced persons should be allowed to return to their homes. How long will we remain confined in relief camps. Why can’t security forces deal with the militants instead of forcing us to stay in relief camps.”

Agitated protesters fought with security forces and headed towards areas considered among the most sensitive zones, prompting them to fire tear gas canisters to disperse them, the official added.

Ekou, Dolaithabi and Yengkhuman are located at the foothills of Imphal East district, bordering the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district. In 2023, the areas witnessed ethnic violence.

Since May 2023, more than 260 people have been killed and thousands left homeless in Manipur in the ethnic conflict between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups.